In my early running days, I only wore the sneakers that I thought looked the coolest: Ones that were sleek and understated, with minimal soles. But the first time I put on a pair of Hokas, that immediately changed.
Hoka was my first introduction to the world of ultra-cushioned sneakers — the brand has been a leader in the category since its early days — and I haven't looked back since. At this point, I've tried nearly 10 different pairs of shoes from the brand, all made for a range of activities, and I have a number of favorites.
And as it turns out, so do podiatrists. As someone who often writes about sneakers, I routinely speak with experts about their favorite pairs of shoes, and Hoka is one brand that comes up time and time again.
Below, I'm sharing some of my favorite sneakers from the brand, as well as some picks from podiatrists. (And if you're wondering how Hoka's sneakers compare to other brands, you can click these links to read my thoughts on Hoka vs. Asics and Hoka vs. Brooks.)
Are Hoka shoes good for your feet?
Short answer: Yes! And they're not just great for workouts. Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a New York City-based podiatrist says that they provide comfort, support and shock absorption, which makes them a good choice for frequent walkers or anyone whose job requires them to stand for the majority of the day. "I personally own Hoka sneakers and do also recommend them to patients often," she says.
Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare, said that Hoka is one of his favorite sneaker brands and added that he also frequently recommends the shoes to patients — especially those with wide feet. When compared to other popular sneakers, Hoka's shoes have a wider toe box, which allows for a more comfortable fit for those with a broader forefoot and can minimize the risk of developing uncomfortable conditions, like bunions or ingrown toenails, he adds.
"The Hoka One One sneaker also has superior cushioning with a specially engineered EVA foam that is soft and surprisingly lightweight," Cunha says. Meaning that you'll feel the comfort with each step that you take.
Plus, many of the brand's most popular pairs come in plenty of fun colors and patterns, as well as solid neutrals that will go with anything in your closet.
How we chose the best Hoka sneakers
As a writer who often covers sneakers, I am constantly trying new releases from top shoe brands. I'm an avid runner who has run a marathon, multiple half marathons and plenty of shorter races. I typically work out around five times a week, doing a mix of runs, walks and workout classes. Through the years, Hoka has sent me a number of its shoes and I have tried them for all those activities — and more. While I only tried some of the sneakers for a couple of weeks at a time, the below shoes earned a permanent place in my collection, becoming a staple for my everyday runs, long walks and, in some cases, training runs and even races.
The best Hoka sneakers, according to an editor
Typically, the more cushioning you have in a shoe, the heavier it is. It's just something you have to sacrifice for that extra comfort. But this sneaker does a good job of mixing both cushioning and a lightweight feel. It also just so happens to be one of the more affordable shoes in Hoka's lineup.
The shoes are a little more structured than some of Hoka's highly-cushioned shoes, so anyone looking for that sink-in, plush feel should go with something like the brand's Clifton or Bondi models (more on those in a minute). However, that doesn't mean you can't feel the comfort of the cushioning. They have a bouncy feel and a Meta-Rocker — basically, a curved design — that helps guide your foot smoothly through every step. I like to grab these when I'm heading out for a few mid-effort miles, so I'd recommend them for casual runners who are looking for a dependable everyday shoe.
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger, who owned a previous version of the shoe, the Hoka Rincon 3s, says that she immediately felt a difference in the bounce of the shoe. “I was a little hesitant to run with added height, however, the cushiony feel and the extra spring in my step seemed to help propel me forward rather than make me feel like I was going to lose balance. These shoes are a great find for those who want to feel more cushion when they run, rather than feel like you’re dragging your feet.”
Let me start by saying that I’ve never tried this iteration of the shoe, I’ve only worn the original Kawana sneakers. But this updated version still has many of the same features that I loved about the OGs.
The Kawana sneaker was the first shoe that I tried from the brand — aka the one that turned me on to ultra-cushioned shoes for good — and I found it to be a versatile pick that’s great for indoor and outdoor running, everyday wear and general training, thanks to its foam material that is designed to provide a high level of support and responsiveness with every step.
The shoes are heavier than some of the others in the brand’s lineup, so I wouldn’t wear them for high-mileage runs or speed work, but they’re a good option for casual jogs as well as workouts with a lot of lateral movement, thanks to their wide, stable base. I wore them for some HIIT workouts and even a couple of games of tennis and didn’t feel like I was at risk of turning my ankle at any point.
Hoka's Clifton sneaker has long been one of its bestsellers. It's designed to be an everyday shoe that can be used by runners, walkers and basically anyone looking for comfortable and supportive footwear. And the brand recently released an updated version, the Hoka Clifton 10.
The previous model, the Clifton 9, has been a staple in my sneaker rotation for a few months and these have a few key updates. According to the brand, the sneakers have an additional 3mm in heel-to-toe drop to help create more supportive landings and enhanced transitions. The sneaker feels bouncier, particularly in the heel. Plus, it still has the MetaRocker that I love, so steps feel natural and transitions from heel to foot are easy.
The extra cushioning adds around 1.5 oz. to the weight of the shoe, which is noticeable, but not in a way that makes your steps feel overly heavy or sluggish when you're on an easy walk or a shorter run (under five miles or so). That's when I find myself reaching for them the most. While I've heard from people who run marathons in Hoka's Clifton sneakers and love them, again, I personally find that they're not the best choice for longer runs and speed work.
Shoes with additional stack height that lack increased stability features, like these, often cause my feet to turn inward more and after a while, I start to feel pain on the outside of my ankles. With these, I only noticed that during longer distances, like walks or runs that exceeded six miles, so I've been routinely reaching for them for my 5K runs, errand days and weekend walks through the park.
Physical therapist Karena Wu recently stopped by the show to share some of her favorite products for foot health and called these "the best walking shoes."
Commerce photo editor Vivian Le is a fan of Hoka’s Clifton sneakers and says that they feel like "clouds on my feet." She has previously owned two pairs at a time, one for everyday walks and another for runs.
A previous model of the shoe, the Clifton 7, was also listed as an excellent choice for runners who are looking for a softer and lighter shoe, according to Cunha. “They are designed with a plush collar that reduces pressure placed on the back of the foot, providing increased comfort and support,” he says.
While training for my upcoming marathon, I've been wearing these shoes for many of my longer training runs and plan to wear them on race day, and I have been overall very impressed by their comfort and speed. Not only did I run my fastest half to date while wearing them, but I logged many of my fastest training runs in them as well.
The cushioning in the sole is super responsive, bouncing back and propelling you forward with each step, which is thanks to the built-in Pebax plate (a responsive alternative to carbon plates). Essentially, it feels like they help you get more from your strides, without you having to exert more energy (a major win when you're running for a long time).
I also loved the previous version, the Mach X 2, though my one qualm was with the heel design, which often caused blisters. They updated it in this model, so it's more rigid and has some cushioning, so I haven't had any problems with blisters.
The original model — which I also tried and loved — was named the best splurge running shoe during our 2023 Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards.
With resilient foam that’s designed to provide high-rebound cushioning and a foot-hugging mesh upper, this shoe from Hoka is made with long-distance runners in mind. I've tried every iteration of this shoe and have loved each one more and more.
The Rocket X 3 features a carbon plate, a common feature of racing shoes. Sneakers with the plate are often called "super shoes" because of their enhanced energy return and propulsion. Before trying the original version of these shoes, I had only worn the Kawana sneakers from the brand. I immediately noticed that these sneakers felt taller than the other pair — which took a second to get used to — but also that they were much bouncier, which I really appreciated. Along with the carbon fiber plate, they have an almost spoon-shaped, exaggerated rocker design, with a lifted toe and heel that helps propel you forward as you stride, so you really feel like you’re getting more from every step.
I loved how cushioned and springy these shoes feel and how easy they made each stride feel, even after multiple miles. When I put these shoes on, I finally understood what people mean when they say that a fun feels "like flying." Overall, they’re great for long-distance running and racing, but I would stick to one of the brand’s other sneakers if you’re looking for a walking or jogging shoe.
Shop TODAY Senior Social Media Editor Kate McCarthy also got the chance to try the Rocket X 2s. “This was the first time I ever put on sneakers and understood what people meant when they said they felt like they were walking on a cloud. The Hokas are super bouncy and soft, but after years of running in shoes that have less bounce, it was a tough adjustment for me. The height of the foam on the sneaker made me feel like I was wearing platforms, and I was a bit wary of taking turns on runs too hard because I felt like I was going to twist an ankle.”
Best Hoka sneakers, according to experts
According to the Hoka, the “ultra-cushioned” Bondi 9 sneaker is “one of the hardest working shoes in the Hoka lineup.” It features a premium foam and an increased stack height, so your steps feel softer and more balanced. The company says that the shoes are ideal for both everyday walking and running. They also feature a breathable mesh upper and a soft memory foam collar, which is said to provide cushioning for your Achilles and prevent blisters from forming.
A previous iteration of the Bondi shoe, the Bondi 7, also came recommended by Sutera. “I love that it has a wide, thick footbed for stability and maximum cushion for comfort.” Not to mention the Bondi 8 sneakers are a Shop TODAY sneaker award winner.
Frequently asked questions
Hoka One One (pronounced ho-kah oh-nay oh-nay) was founded in 2009 by two trail-running enthusiasts, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard. While the ultra-cushioned shoes were originally designed with runners in mind, they now have options to suit almost any activity, from hiking to training.
To keep your Hokas looking their best, the brand recommends skipping the washing machine and dryer, as they can age the sneakers. Instead, they suggest hand washing them with cold water and a mild soap or laundry detergent.
To start, the brand recommends taking out the liners, insoles and laces (you can throw the laces in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry). Then, use a dry paper towel and a dry toothbrush to get any mud or dirt off the outside of the shoes. To get off more caked-in dirt and stains, use the toothbrush to scrub them with a mix of soap (according to the brand, you can use dye-free detergent, dish soap or dandruff shampoo) and cool water.
Wipe all remaining soap off with a damp rag, then take a dry cloth and blot them so they’re not soaking wet. To dry, stuff them with newspaper and leave them in a cool spot overnight. The brand says that you should avoid putting them in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as it can warp them.
If you have another type of shoe from the brand, like a leather sneaker or recovery sandals, you can find more specific instructions on how to clean them on the Hoka site.
Meet our experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City. She specializes in women’s foot care.
- Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City. His interests include all areas of podiatric medicine with an emphasis on cosmetic surgery and sports medicine injuries.
Why trust Shop TODAY
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Emma Stessman is a writer for Shop TODAY. She has over a decade of experience in digital media — with nearly half of that time being focused on the health and wellness space. She has spent the last few years covering top sneaker brands and shoe trends for Shop TODAY, and in that time, she has interviewed dozens of podiatrists and other experts. She is also a longtime runner who has run the New York City Marathon, multiple NYC half marathons and is currently training for the Chicago Marathon.
